October Favourites + Highlights 2020

October has zoomed by! I can’t believe it’s been almost a month since my tonsillectomy and I’ve been back at work two weeks already! I did get more spendy in October compared to a usual month and I haven’t been reading a lot either. I will still meet my Goodreads target of 40 books for the year but I want to spend more time reading again in November. I haven’t really been up to much this month, mainly sleeping, relaxing and taking it easy. It’s been nice to have time for self care.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Colourpop Easy Bake Ultra Glossy Lip – Easy Bake was released by Colourpop last year as part of their Strawberry Shake collection. This shade is a sheer strawberry pink that can be worn on its own but I love wearing it over top of lipstick for added shine. This is the perfect neutral gloss that looks good on top of everything without altering the lip colour underneath. The scent is nice, the formula isn’t sticky and goopy and the packaging is adorable!

2. Revlon – Gel Envy Nail Polish in Silky Negligee – I was placing an order online for magnesium for my mum and needed something else to add to the order to qualify for free shipping (it was a chemist website). I had seen this polish in a store the same day and snapped it up immediately. Silky Negligee is a glossy metallic silver grey and it looks stunning on. Two coats is perfect and the polish lasted for almost two weeks with Revlon’s Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat (which I have loved for years) applied over top. The polish was a little difficult to remove but nothing like removing glitter polishes. I also picked up another shade from the range called Standing Ovation (glossy metallic lilac pink) which I’m yet to try.

3. Trilogy Hydrating Jelly Mask – There is a facial oil from Trilogy I love and I saw this jelly mask on sale for half price so decided to give it a try. The mask contains rosehip, hyaluronic acid and manuka honey and it aims to smooth the appearance of skin as well as deeply nourish and refresh it. There is a little spatula that comes with the mask and makes it easy to scoop product out. The texture is like jelly and feels very cooling on the skin. Product is easy to spread and after a few minutes it sets a little but doesn’t feel uncomfortable. The mask only needs to be left on for 5-10 minutes and washes off with minimal effort. This is a lovely mask that I’ve been reaching for once a week and a little goes a long way.

4. The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom body butter – I purchased this body butter over a year ago and I can’t believe I haven’t mentioned it on the blog before! I didn’t start using it until around lockdown but the scent is gorgeous – it’s light, fruity and floral and a nice feminine scent to use after a shower. The texture of this body butter feels slightly more luxurious compared to the standard ranges The Body Shop is known for. The price point of this is slightly higher as well but it doesn’t bother me.

October Highlights

• It was nice to have a break from work after my surgery. I hadn’t had a proper break since February.
• Purchased some comfy tracksuit bottoms and the most gorgeous purple hoodie from Nike. You bet the first cold day that comes I’ll be wearing them!
• Finally got to watch Knives Out this month. Not going to lie though, I was a little disappointed. I didn’t like the fake accent Daniel Craig’s character had.

October’s Spotify Playlist:

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How was your month? Share one of your highlights in the comments!

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June Favourites 2018

Not going to lie, June has been up and down for me. On the whole it hasn’t been too bad, I had some time off work and got to sleep in lots and catch up on things I wanted to do but on the other hand I thought I was getting sick again and there are still days I get emotional over the breakup. Makeup has been something I’ve enjoyed spending more time applying this month and trying some new looks and products.

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Anti-Flamme – I am sure other countries must have creams similar to this; they provide relief to sore, tense muscles and they contain herbal ingredients. Any bad headaches or tension I’ve felt in my neck and shoulders I have been applying this lately and it works so well. It smells like peppermint but the smell isn’t strong and a little goes a long way. This kind of product helps with injuries, joint aches and strained muscles too.

2. xoBeauty Liquid Lipstick in Carpe Diem – I haven’t had this liquid lipstick very long but already I can tell it is a shade I want to wear a lot! I’m not a fan of liquid lipsticks but the formula of this one by xoBeauty is creamy as opposed to matte and it’s very comfortable to wear. Carpe Diem is described as a muted wearable lilac and on me it looks like a light purple/nude all in one.

3. OPI – The I’s Have It – This nail polish is another product that I have purchased in the last month. I tend to gravitate towards blue nail polish (and blue jumpers) and this is the most beautiful blue polish I have tried. The I’s Have It is a lovely, creme polish from the Alice In Wonderland collection released in 2016. This is more of a baby blue rather than a pastel blue. I can’t wait to wear it again soon!

4. The Body Shop Moringa EDT – I got this eau de toilette last year and I bought it because I really like the convenient travel size of these scents from The Body Shop. I previously had the strawberry eau de toilette and I went for the moringa scent this time round because it’s fresh and floral and at the time of purchase it was spring and summer was coming up. I highly recommend the moringa range at The Body Shop if you haven’t tried it.

5. Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush – I have had this brush for a couple of years now and over the past couple of months I have been loving it for cleaning up around the eye and blending out any harsh lines. I haven’t tried using this brush to apply shadow or used it to apply crease shades – it’s funny how we don’t always use brushes the way they’re intended and how we come up with our own ways we like to use them. This brush isn’t available on it’s own, I bought it as part of a five piece eye set.

June’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in June?

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Redhead Rambles #21

Hello everyone and welcome to ‘Redhead Rambles’. The series does what it says on the tin, it is a redhead (me) rambling about her week. I share what I’ve been up to each week, how I’ve been feeling and what I’ve been listening to or watching. Occasionally I will my share favourite blog posts and links I’ve found useful or interesting.

• Last week I dropped one of my bracelets into a jeweller to get some links removed because I have tiny wrists and I wanted the bracelet to fit better. I picked the bracelet up last Friday and it looks even more beautiful now.
• This year I have really been enjoying Shaaanxo on YouTube and I have been lusting over her makeup brand xoBeauty for weeks. I placed an order last Friday night and I got the items on Wednesday. (It would have been Tuesday but no one was home so a courier left a collection card and I picked up the parcel on Wednesday after work). If you’d like to see what I picked up let me know in the comments!
• Saturday was a low day mood wise, I tend to get Saturday blues as it comes up another week without my boyfriend and also it was my last day of annual leave before returning to work on Sunday.
• A new TV series called Instinct started this week and I decided to give it a go. The series is based on James Patterson’s Murder Games and is about an author and former CIA paramilitary officer who helps a New York detective stop a serial killer. The serial killer uses the former CIA officer’s book as inspiration for the murders.
• On Tuesday my Steps DVD of their Party On the Dancefloor tour arrived – I pre-ordered the DVD back in January. Mum and I watched the concert on Thursday and we both thought it was amazing! Steps are the reason I originally wanted to be a singer and their music always makes me happy.
• On Tuesday after work I had some training and during the hour after finishing work and the training beginning I was naughty and treated myself to Burger King for lunch.
• I opened my xoBeauty package and found I had been sent a palette signed by Shannon. I requested one when I placed my order as I know Shannon often goes into xoBeauty and helps package up orders and I was luckily enough to get one. I’m so excited to play with the palette and come up with looks, I’ve been watching so many YouTube tutorials about the palette.
• Thursday was winter solstice meaning it was the shortest number of daylight hours and from now on days will be getting longer.
• I painted my nails using Rimmel’s Go Wild-er-ness; a pretty light purple shade.

What I’ve been listening to:

Morgan Deane – You Or Anybody – Morgan is a singer I have followed since she was a member of Irish pop group Industry. This track is funky and cool and has a laid back vibe.

How was your week?

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Discount Beauty Haul

The Brand Outlet sell fragrances and cosmetics and regularly travel around New Zealand with their sales. Products are 100% genuine and prices can be up to 70% less what you’d pay elsewhere. The company also has a website so you can order from the comfort of your own home anytime you like. The best part about online shopping is you don’t have to deal with crowds!

I placed my order on Saturday 26 May, the order was shipped on Monday and arrived on Tuesday 29 May. Everything was packaged well and I’m super impressed with the speedy service.

On with the haul:

1. OPI – Two-Timing the Zones

You’d think as pink is my favourite colour I must have lots of pink polishes but I actually don’t! Two-Timing the Zones is from OPI’s 2017 Fiji collection and is a pink creme polish. The polish is very Barbie pink, not fluro or hot pink and it’s the kind of pink that is warm and cool at the same time. I can’t wait to wear it!

2. OPI – The I’s Have It

The I’s Have It was released by OPI in 2016 as part of their Alice In Wonderland collection. I don’t remember hearing about the collection but after a Google search I discovered one of my favourite bloggers Rachael reviewed this polish and sang it’s praises. The I’s Have It is a gorgeous light blue creme polish and the formula applies like a dream. I shared a picture on Instagram if you are interested to see what this looks like on.

3. Bourjois Rouge 12 HR Lipstick – Cherry My Cherie

I have fallen a little out of love with red lipstick lately. Ruby Woo by MAC will always be a classic, true red but I’ve been thinking something deeper with more cherry in it would be nice on me. Bourjois’ Frambourjoise is a beautiful raspberry-red and is one of the shades I would use if I could only wear five lip colours. Cherry My Cherie doesn’t disappoint quality wise either. I wore the lipstick on Wednesday and it barely budged all day (I know my lips hold pigment extremely well but still…) The formula is creamy without being slippy and comfortable to wear.

4. Max Factor Masterpiece Eye Shadow – Icicle Rose

Liquid eye shadows seem to be a trend right now and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try this beauty out for $6.00. The colour may be a little light on it’s own but it will be nice as a sparkly topper or inner corner highlight. I have a powder eyeshadow that is a similar colour so I will see how well this works in combination with that. The doe foot applicator isn’t too big or small and is the perfect size for my eyes. It picks up a good amount of product and the product spreads easily.

5. Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick – Mauve It Up

This lipstick is not pictured as I didn’t buy it for myself. One of my work mates mentioned she had been looking for this lipstick and couldn’t find it so when I saw it I instantly thought of her. I gifted it to her on Tuesday (before the photos were taken) and she loves it!

Swatches:

Top: Bourjois – Cherry My Cherie, Bottom: Max Factor – Icicle Rose.

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Do you have discount makeup stores or outlets near you? Have you ever bought anything from them?

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Autumn Beauty Edit

In September 2017, I published a Spring Beauty Edit which featured a handful of products I wanted to use during New Zealand spring time! I did find myself using those products in spring and I thought it would be fun to do another post for autumn. In autumn I tend to gravitate towards berries, darker lip shades and warm, musky, non-fruity fragrances.

LIPS

L – R: Rimmel – 107, Revlon – Raspberry Pie, Revlon – Sugar Plum, Urban Decay – After Dark

Autumn is when I tend to wear berry and red lipsticks more. Rimmel’s 107 is a classic berry shade in the blogging world and the pigmentation is really good. Sometimes these dark, berry shades can be patchy but not this one. Revlon’s lip butters are perfect for cooler days if you want a pop of colour, the formula is so moisturising and won’t leave the lips dry. Raspberry Pie is a pretty berry-red and Sugar Plum is a perfect pink-mauve everyday shade. The names are the cutest too! After Dark is more of a purple berry and it’s such a beautiful shade.

NAILS

L – R: Essie – Bahama Mama, Rimmel – Bestival Blue, OPI – Tiramisu For Two

I have a number of neutral polishes which work all year round but I only selected one for this edit. Tiramisu For Two is one of the newest shades in my makeup drawer and I want to wear it more which is why I chose it. Bahama Mama follows the berry theme and Bestival Blue is a lovely pastel blue that doesn’t look summery and suits the cooler vibe of the weather.

Fragrance & Body

Cooler weather can be harsh on the skin so I’d really like to try The Body Shop’s Almond Milk & Honey shower cream. I have sensitive skin and I have been hesitant to try this so far but my skin is in an okay place at the moment. I got the small size so if I react to the shower cream I’m not wasting product and I may be able to pass the product along. The black musk fragrance is one I first tried last winter. Black musk is spicier and warmer than white musk and less floral, making it a good match for the cooler months. I always have a tube of hand cream on the go and this frosted plum scent from The Body Shop’s 2017 Christmas range is my pick. The purple tube is a neat colour and the scent isn’t overly fruity.

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What’s your favourite berry lip colour? Do you associate any particular products with autumn/fall?

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Christmas Nails & Makeup Tutorial

The Christmas countdown is on, there’s only 4 days to go! Personally I really enjoy doing my makeup on Christmas Day and making myself look nice. I knew this year I wanted lots of glow and sparkle and that’s exactly what I got! I’ve included a step by step guide as to how I achieved my Christmas look, how I applied each product and a list of the tools I used. Enjoy!

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First I want to show off my Christmas nails! I wanted them to tie in with my makeup so I went for a neutral shade, Tiramisu For Two by OPI and did an accent nail (ring fingers) using Glow Your Own Way by Essie.

Makeup Products and Tools Used:

Step By Step Guide:

1. Moisturise. My go to everyday moisturiser is the Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser from Simple.
2. Fill in brows using Rimmel’s Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel.
3. Apply a pea sized amount of primer. I am currently loving the Ultra Face Base Primer from Makeup Revolution. This has been sitting in my collection unused for a while and I decided to give it another go. It has been helping my makeup stay on longer and aids with application of foundation.
4. Next I apply Max Factor’s Lasting Performance Foundation in 101 Ivory Beige using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I dot the foundation over my face then blend it in. I tend to go in with a little more product on my chin and around my nose as I suffer from redness in those areas.
5. Using my middle finger I pat concealer onto my nose and chin, again to cover any redness, or any blemishes I have. For this look I used the Studio Finish Concealer from MAC. I have the shade NW10. It is so creamy and blends like a dream. I also run my finger over my eyelids so the concealer can act as a primer for eyeshadow.
6. *For eyeshadow I used the Iconic 1 palette from Makeup Revolution. Starting with a Real Techniques Oval Shadow Brush I apply the first shade in the palette all over the lid. Taking a Real Techniques Tapered Shadow Brush I blend the darkest matte brown into the crease and outer corner of the eye. The fourth shade from the left is applied all over the lid with a Real Techniques Shading Brush. The second and ninth shades are applied in the centre of the lid with my finger to complete the look.
7. I used Rimmel’s Scandaleyes Lycra Flex in Black on my lashes. This mascara in the shade Extreme Black 003 is my holy grail. It gives volume and length and makes the lashes look fluttery.
8. Dipping my Real Techniques Tapered Blush Brush into Dainty Doll’s Powder Blush in You Are My Sunshine I dab lightly over the apples and tops of my cheeks to give a nice flush of colour. This is my favourite blush and a great dupe for Orgasm by NARS.
9. Using the other side of the same Tapered Blush Brush I apply highlighter to the tops of my cheeks. I chose Mary-Lou Manizer from theBalm.
10. Fuchsia Fusion from NYX was an easy lip colour choice! Fuchsia is my favourite colour to wear and the sparkles add extra glitz to the look.

*Shades used in eye look:

The Finished Look:

I love this makeup so much! Before I commit to a Christmas Day look I always trial the makeup look beforehand. I wore this makeup out for an evening of shopping and I felt beautiful. It’s not the most traditional look but I didn’t want to do the usual red lip and gold eye.

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Do you wear makeup on Christmas Day? If so, what will you be opting for this year?

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Seventeen of ’17

Previously I have written Sixteen of ’16 and Fifteen of ’15 so it only seemed right to continue this theme! There have been some extremely special moments throughout 2017 and also moments that have been difficult but this post focuses on the positives and sees me discuss what defined my year.

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#1. Steps reform + release new album

Steps are my favourite band and on January 1st 2017 they announced they were back. The band originally split up in 2001 and got back together briefly in 2012 for a #1 Greatest Hits album, a Christmas album and two tours. In March 2017 the band announced new music and their long awaited fourth studio album Tears On the Dancefloor was released the following month. The album was re-released in October. I have had the album on repeat since April and it is my favourite album of 2017!

#2. My 22nd birthday!

22 isn’t a milestone birthday but it was special for me as I got to celebrate my first birthday with my boyfriend. I had a massage in the morning as a gift from my mum and in the afternoon my boyfriend picked me up and we went for a walk. We ate pizza for dinner down at the lakefront before he took me on a drive. It was a lovely, relaxing day.

Related post: My 22nd Birthday!

#3. Winning Stash Matters giveaway

I was over the moon when I saw I had won this giveaway! There were so many brands and products I had never tried before and I still use lots of the products on a daily/weekly basis. (I will admit I haven’t tried the eyelash curlers yet though, sorry Stashy!)

Related post: Stashy’s Giveaway Prize + First Impressions

#4. First Valentines Day

This was another super special day as it was the first Valentines Day with my boyfriend and the first time I’ve ever had a valentine. We gave each other soft toys as presents – great minds think alike – and the card he gave me was so sweet. We went for another walk, this time around a lake and I can still remember how beautiful the sky was afterwards.

#5. Winning a polaroid signed by Vanessa White

Vanessa White is one fifth of British girlband The Saturdays (my favourite band after Steps) and on Valentines Day she held a Twitter competition where she was giving away signed polaroid pictures. I was lucky enough to win one of 40 I think it was. A signed Post It also arrived with the picture.

#6. Fit Bit Zip in Magenta

I found my Fit Bit on sale for $29 in March and I have been wearing it most days since it arrived. It is interesting to see how many steps I walk each day and how that equates into distance and calories. My Fit Bit is basic and doesn’t have a sleep tracker or heart rate monitor but I like that I can clip it on and don’t have to wear it like a watch. I’ve heard so many stories about the bands snapping and having to be replaced. The battery life is good too, I’ve replaced the battery once in nine months.

#7. Going to the cinema

Up until this year I hadn’t been to the cinema since about 2007. It got expensive and most movies end up on TV anyway. I have been twice this year and I really enjoyed the experience both times; I saw Logan and IT. Maybe I should go more often?

#8. Saying ‘I love you’ for the first time

I was the one to say ‘I love you’ first and I felt so brave when I did it. Technically it was written not said aloud but I meant it. I didn’t know if my feelings were those of love as I had never felt that way before but I have said those three words countless times since!

#9. 3 years of blogging

In June I celebrated my third blogging anniversary. Three is my favourite number so it felt even more legendary.

Related post: My Three Year Blogversary!

#10. Trip to the MAC counter

I don’t have a MAC counter in my city but ended up at one unexpectedly in July. I got two items, a lipstick in the shade Show Orchid and a travel sized Studio Moisture Cream. I actually didn’t end up paying a cent as I had gift cards and my boyfriend paid for the rest.

#11. Buying a DSLR

Also in July I took the plunge and purchased a DSLR camera. I settled on the Canon 700D as it has a flip out screen so if I ever wanted to try videos or use the screen for difficult, hard to reach angles I can. I love practicing with the settings and using my camera when I can. I’d love to snap some festive, Christmas photos and share them after December 25th.

#12. Essie Glow Your Own Way

This nail polish is one of the most photogenic products I have worked with. I bought it on a whim back in August and it is subtle and glamorous at the same time. It’s easy to apply (a pain to remove) but that doesn’t detract from how nice it looks on. Essie polishes are some of my favourites!

Related post: Essie Nail Polish in Glow Your Own Way

#13. Job at the library

In August I changed jobs. I’ve loved reading and going to the library since I was a child so it’s nice that I am able to work in a place that makes me happy. I am part of the customer services team and believe or not the majority of my days are not spent putting books away. Since I started this job I have been in a much more positive place.

#14. One year anniversary with my boyfriend

Quite a few of these highlights are about me and my boyfriend but they are truly some of my most memorable and happy moments of 2017. At the beginning of September it was one year since we first met in person. We didn’t spend the day together but I did receive a cute text message.

#15. Boyfriend’s 25th birthday

I think I was more excited about my boyfriend’s birthday than my own! I jokingly thought about doing 25 presents as he turned 25 and then as I began coming up with gifts I realised it wasn’t actually a stupid idea. He didn’t know what I had planned and I had a lot of fun buying all the gifts, wrapping them and revealing the surprise.

Related post: Boyfriend’s Birthday Surprise!

#16. NYX Cosmic Metals – Fuchsia Fusion

Hands down this is the prettiest lip colour I own! I have a few fuchsias but this takes the crown. Pink – check, sparkles – check. This is so sparkly and pretty without looking unnatural. The formula is not sticky and comfortable to wear. The pigment is outstanding!

I love this photo and it shows the colour/sparkle.

#17. Music

2017 has been a whole lot better for me music wise than 2016. There were some musical comebacks from 90s artists: Steps, Martine McCutcheon and Shania Twain as well as great original material from Una Healy, Dua Lipa and Vanessa White. The majority of artists I listen to are female but a special mention goes to Shane Filan who released his third album in 2017. His voice is beautiful and so easy to listen to.

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What have been your favourite moments of 2017?

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Christmas 2017 Wishlist

Christmas is not far away and while I’ve got most of my Christmas shopping done I was thinking about what I’ll be receiving this year and what I would like. Some people might say I’m fussy but I don’t think so at all, if someone has reason behind a gift that means more than the gift itself. I love surprising people and really thinking about what they like, I enjoy giving gifts. I’d be happy to receive any of the items in this post!

1. OPI – Tiramisu For Two

I heard this nail polish mentioned in a beauty chat with Rochelle Humes and Sam and Nic Chapman. Tiramisu For Two is one of Rochelle’s favourite nail polishes and when I Googled it, I instantly loved the colour. It’s one of those nudes that suits a number of skin tones and I love the name! OPI describe Tiramisu For Two as “a sweet coffee cream” and I definitely don’t have a polish like this already. The shade was released as part of the Venice collection in 2015.

EDIT: I purchased this polish myself on December 5th. I popped in store to see if they had the polish and the store only had a couple of bottles left. I didn’t want to miss out!

2. Jigsaw puzzle

I absolutely love jigsaws and have done since I was a kid. There’s always a jigsaw on the go at my boyfriend’s house and earlier in the year I was given double ups of ones they already had. I’m quite good at jigsaws due to my eye for detail and I can’t resist dong them when I visit. I saw a couple of WHSmith branded ones which are postcards from different cities and the Paris and London ones look fun.

3. Me To You Teddy

These are my favourite teddies! The Me To You brand is super sweet and they always have themed teddies or teddies for special occasions. I have given these teddies as gifts in the past and they go down so well, I want one of my own! How cute is the teddy dressed in a giraffe onesie?! I have also seen a panda onesie and a unicorn onesie – adorable.

4. Agatha Christie dvd sets – Poirot and marple

Two of my favourite TV series have been released on DVD and there are a number of episodes of both I haven’t seen (particularly Poirot). I would love to say I’ve seen all episodes of both series. My one slight gripe with detective stories is that once you’ve seen the episode you know who the murderer is so how likely are you to re-watch all the stories.

5.Cute Mug

I don’t have a lot of hot drinks but I have been using Nescafé instant coffee sachets over the past couple of months and I love getting my mugs out. I’ve got one with cats on it and another one that’s white with metallic gold spots. I’ve also got a personalised takeaway coffee cup my brother bought for me. What I mean by cute is a mug with a quote on it, an illustration like the mug in the picture or a nice pastel pink or blue colour.

6. kikki.k Vases

I often get given roses by boyfriend/his mum and I’ve got a couple of vases I put them in but not one that is desk worthy. I love the boldness of the black vase, you don’t often see black vases and the gold spots are a nice touch. The set of four are mini vases and I love the pops of colour! My mum would love these too as she loves minis so we could share.

7. Mac Melon pigment (travel size)

MAC pigments are so gorgeous. Melon is a peachy-gold colour all in one and I don’t have any colour like that in my makeup collection. I watched a video of Shaaanxo using the pigment in a neutral eye look and it looks stunning. You don’t need to use a lot of pigment so the travel size would be perfect to try.

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What’s on your Christmas wishlist?

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Nail Colours You Need

My nail polishes received the biggest culling in September’s makeup declutter. Two were sold and a few went in the bin. I kept the polishes I wear frequently and polishes I’d forgotten about and want to wear more. Decluttering made me evaluate which shades I need. This post is a guide to the different shades you might like to go for if you’re a nail polish newbie or if you just want a good base selection of colours.

NB: The polishes mentioned in this post are examples of shades and are colours I personally own.

Minimalist – Take It Outside by Essie

Take It Outside was one of the first Essie polishes I purchased and it is also one of my most worn. The colour is a taupe/grey that looks good all year round and will go with any outfit. It’s not a super girly colour and would appeal to those who like dark colours or have a monochromatic style. The polish applies smoothly and streak free.

Neutral – Ladylike by Essie

If you like nude lips chances are you also like neutral nail colours. If you want something girly, fuss-free and a colour that is work appropriate, Ladylike is it! Ladylike can also be worn all year round and suits a range of skin tones.

Red – Mon Cherry by Revlon

Red nail polish is like red lipstick, classic! Depending on your skin tone you might want a blue, cool toned red like Mon Cherry or you might prefer something warmer and fiery with more of an orange tone to it. Red looks classy and would be the perfect shade to accompany a LBD.

Berry – Bahama Mama by Essie

If you like to match your nails to seasons you will love a berry nail polish come Autumn/Winter. Bahama Mama has a hint of plum in it and it’s a gorgeous shade. Like the other two Essie polishes I’ve already mentioned it applies smoothly and is opaque in two coats.

Bright – Can’t aFjörd Not To by OPI and BubbleGum by Revlon

Can’t aFjörd Not To is not for the faint hearted, it is bright orange and this colour looks even better if you have a tan or have a darker skin tone, it really pops! Bright pink is one of my favourite colours to wear and call me stereotypical but I love to wear bright colours in summer. Bubblegum is a scented polish and the scent has an air of summer about it too.

Pastel – go Wild-er-ness and Bestival Blue by Rimmel

If you’re not a fan of brights but still like to wear colour, pastel shades might be more your thing. These polishes from Rimmel dry quickly. They are from the 60 Seconds line but I always leave the polish a couple of minutes longer to be safe.

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What nail polishes are your essentials?

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September Favourites 2017

September is the first month into my library job and work wise I’ve been less stressed and happier. Health wise I have been sick all month. I have always had trouble with my nose and my sinuses have been giving me grief. I got antibiotics but after I finished them the problem came back so I tried a sinus rinse which has been helping a lot. As a result of being sick I have felt lethargic and haven’t felt like doing much. Fingers crossed I’m better soon!

Onto this month’s favourites:

1. Shane Filan – Love Always – I have mentioned Shane Filan a number of times on the blog. He has one of the best voices and is one of my favourites to listen to. He released his third studio album, Love Always, in August and I have had it on repeat the past couple of weeks. My signed copy arrived a fortnight ago and the album is better than I thought it would be. The majority of songs are covers of famous love songs and I was in two minds about buying the album originally as I’m not the biggest fan of cover albums but Shane puts his own spin on each track and the album is cohesive. Standout Tracks: Don’t Dream It’s Over, Beautiful In White, Completely, Unbreakable and I Can’t Make You Love Me.

2. Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lip Butter – Being sick my lips have been cracked and dry and this has been my saviour! I bought this lip butter last year and it is perfect when my lips need extra care. It smells like chocolate and smells very similar to my Cocoa Butter body butter from The Body Shop. The little pot is the cutest!

3. Navy Blue Fluffy Jumper – This is my favourite cosy jumper and I seem to have worn it a lot this month. The jumper is very warm and I love the colour, it goes so well with my hair. I wear this jumper casually and to work and it always gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling when I do.

4. Revlon – Beginner’s Luck – I had a makeup declutter and almost gave this nail polish away. I had a pile of shades I wasn’t sure about and swatched them on paper. I wasn’t convinced enough to give this shade away and couldn’t wait to try it on again. I am glad I kept it. It is a subtle, shimmery shade that is great for everyday and the formula is dreamy.

5. Reading – At the start of the month I mentioned I would be starting a new blogging series: What I’ve Been Reading. Working at the library it only seems appropriate I make an active effort to read more and I’m slowly working through a small pile of books. I have been pretty busy this month and haven’t had much time to read but I have been enjoying the moments I have been able to. I love getting lost in a good story. Sadly, I haven’t been hitting my one book a week quota so far.

September’s Spotify Playlist:

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What were your favourite things in September?

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